Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of Homer’s *The Odyssey*, one of the most eagerly awaited movies of the summer of 2026, has drawn a lot of reactions for various reasons. To be straightforward about my feelings, I enjoyed it, but it didn’t completely captivate me. This story about Odysseus (Matt Damon) and his experiences returning to Ithaca after the Trojan War explores the many challenges and personal growth he undergoes during his ten-year journey—the latter half of a twenty-year absence. Back home, his devoted wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) is being pursued by suitors such as Antinous (Robert Pattinson), who assume her husband is dead. Telemachus (Tom Holland), Odysseus’s son and the future King of Ithaca should his father be declared deceased, has never even met him. This historical drama, a frequent selection in high school English classes, follows both the adventures of Odysseus's travels and what's happening at home, much of which viewers will probably recognize in this cinematic version. However, not everything works well in this adaptation. The film’s length—2 hours and 52 minutes—is excessive, particularly during the slow-paced first hour. The writing also suffers from dialogue that feels out of place and should have been cut. There are noticeable omissions and underdeveloped storylines from the original material that could have enhanced the film with some adjustments, especially if less essential scenes were trimmed. For instance, despite frequent references to the Greek gods, they’re largely absent except for a few conversations between Odysseus and Athena (Zendaya), Goddess of Wisdom. Similarly, Helen of Troy (Lupita Nyong’o), who started the Trojan War, and Calypso (Charlize Theron), who cares for and heals Odysseus for seven years, are not given enough attention. Despite these flaws, “The Odyssey” has its merits, including a more compelling second half and strong performances from Hathaway, Pattinson, Holland, and Samantha Morton as Circe, the witch Odysseus encounters. Those seeking action will find it here, although the special effects are uneven—impressive during scenes like the Trojan Horse ambush and the encounter with Charybdis, but less convincing when depicting the Sirens, Cyclops, and Scylla. It's hard to say exactly why this film didn’t live up to some expectations, though it may have been affected by overconfidence, especially after Nolan’s previous success with “Oppenheimer” (2023). Ultimately, each person will need to decide for themselves, but keeping these observations in mind might be useful as audiences experience their own journeys.

Source on TMDB